Coronavirus particles linger in the air in medical settings, research shows
- Two hospitals in Wuhan were tested during the central Chinese city’s disease outbreak, adding to understanding of how the virus spreads
- While some areas showed traces of the virus, levels in ICUs and uncrowded public spaces were low
The findings, based on measurements of particles in the air at two hospitals in Wuhan during the central Chinese city’s outbreak, suggest particles of the coronavirus, called Sars-CoV-2, could linger after being shaken from medical workers’ protective gear, or be present in the air in toilets used by patients. Some traces were also found in aerosol deposits on surfaces in ICUs.
Researchers say the data, set to be published in the journal Nature, indicates the virus may have the potential to be transmitted via small droplets suspended in the air, called aerosols, and that virus-laden aerosols may play a role in contaminating surfaces, leading to the spread of the disease.
The researchers, including those from Wuhan University, measured the concentration of Sars-CoV-2 RNA in aerosols from 30 different areas of two hospitals during the outbreak in Wuhan, where the first cases of the new illness were reported.
“Our results indicate that room ventilation, open space, sanitisation of protective apparel, and proper use and disinfection of toilet areas can effectively limit the concentration of Sars-CoV-2 RNA in aerosols,” the researchers said.